Patentable/Patents/US-12001620
US-12001620

Wireless charging for an input device

PublishedJune 4, 2024
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

A method comprises: determining whether an external wireless power (EWP) source is coupled to an interface configured to transfer power from the EWP source to the power management (PM) system; selecting the EWP to power the computer mouse when the EWP source is electrically couples and provides power to the interface; determining whether a fixed internal power source (PS) is coupled to the PM system; selecting a fixed internal PS to power the computer mouse when the fixed internal PS is coupled to the PM system and the EWP source is coupled to but not providing enough power to the interface; determining whether a removeable internal PS is electrically coupled to a PM system in the computer mouse; and selecting the removeable internal PS to power the computer mouse when the removeable internal PS is electrically coupled to the PM system and the EPS is not coupled to the interface.

Patent Claims
12 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The computer mouse of claim 1 wherein the removable first charge storage device is a removable battery, and wherein the first charge storage device is determined to be electrically coupled to the MUX when the first charge storage device has a voltage supply level above a threshold value.

Plain English Translation

A computer mouse includes a removable battery as a first charge storage device, which is electrically coupled to a multiplexer (MUX) when the battery's voltage supply level exceeds a threshold value. The MUX selectively connects the battery to a charging circuit or a power management circuit based on the battery's state. The mouse also includes a second charge storage device, such as a supercapacitor, which provides power when the battery is removed or depleted. The power management circuit regulates power distribution between the battery, supercapacitor, and the mouse's internal components, ensuring continuous operation. The system monitors the battery's voltage to determine when it is sufficiently charged to supply power, preventing damage from under-voltage conditions. This design allows for seamless battery replacement without interrupting mouse functionality, extending operational time and reliability. The MUX dynamically switches between power sources to maintain stable power delivery, improving user experience by avoiding performance drops during battery changes. The invention addresses the need for uninterrupted power in portable devices by integrating multiple energy storage solutions with intelligent power management.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The computer mouse of claim 1 wherein the interface is configured to receive a removable modular insert that, when inserted into the interface, enables the computer mouse to wirelessly receive power from the external power source.

Plain English Translation

A computer mouse includes a housing with an interface for receiving a removable modular insert. The insert, when inserted into the interface, enables the mouse to wirelessly receive power from an external power source. The modular insert may include a wireless power receiver, such as an inductive or resonant coupling coil, that aligns with a corresponding transmitter in the external power source. The mouse housing may have a recess or slot to securely hold the insert, ensuring proper alignment for efficient power transfer. The insert may also include electrical contacts or connectors to interface with the mouse's internal circuitry, allowing power to be delivered to the mouse's components. The mouse may further include a battery or energy storage module that stores power received from the insert, ensuring continuous operation even when the mouse is not actively receiving wireless power. The modular design allows users to easily attach or detach the insert, enabling flexible power options depending on usage scenarios. The external power source may be a charging pad, dock, or other wireless power transmitter, providing a convenient and cable-free power solution for the mouse. This design eliminates the need for wired charging while maintaining the compact form factor of the mouse.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The computer mouse of claim 3 wherein the external power source is a charging mouse pad configured to wirelessly provide power to the interface via electromagnetic induction when the computer mouse is placed on or near the charging mouse pad.

Plain English Translation

A computer mouse with an integrated wireless charging system is designed to address the inconvenience of frequent battery replacements or wired charging. The mouse includes a power interface that receives electrical power from an external power source, which in this case is a charging mouse pad. The charging mouse pad is configured to wirelessly transmit power to the mouse via electromagnetic induction when the mouse is placed on or near the pad. This eliminates the need for direct electrical connections or manual recharging, ensuring continuous operation by simply resting the mouse on the pad. The system may also include a power management circuit to regulate and optimize power transfer, ensuring efficient energy use and prolonged battery life. The mouse may further incorporate a rechargeable battery to store power received from the charging pad, allowing uninterrupted use even when not on the pad. This design enhances user convenience by integrating seamless, wireless charging into the mouse's functionality.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The computer mouse of claim 1 wherein the second charge storage device is a supercapacitor.

Plain English Translation

A computer mouse includes a first charge storage device, such as a battery, and a second charge storage device, such as a supercapacitor, to enhance power management. The mouse is designed to address the problem of limited battery life and inconsistent power delivery in traditional computer mice. The supercapacitor provides rapid charge and discharge capabilities, allowing the mouse to handle high-power demands efficiently while extending the overall operational time. The system may include a power management circuit that controls the flow of energy between the battery and the supercapacitor, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. The supercapacitor's ability to quickly store and release energy helps maintain stable power delivery, reducing the risk of performance drops during intensive tasks. This design is particularly useful for high-performance mice that require sustained power for features like high-DPI tracking, RGB lighting, or wireless connectivity. The integration of a supercapacitor alongside a traditional battery provides a balanced solution for both short-term power demands and long-term energy storage.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The computer mouse of claim 1 wherein a total allowed current supplied by the external power source is between 40-60 mA, wherein the external power source is configured to simultaneously provide power to the one or more processors and charge the second charge storage device without exceeding the total allowed current.

Plain English Translation

A computer mouse with an external power source is designed to address the limitations of traditional battery-powered mice, which suffer from short battery life and inconvenient recharging. The mouse includes a primary charge storage device for powering its components and a secondary charge storage device for storing additional energy. The external power source, such as a USB port, supplies power to the mouse while also charging the secondary storage device. The total current supplied by the external power source is regulated between 40-60 mA to ensure efficient power distribution. This current is allocated to simultaneously power the mouse's processors and charge the secondary storage device without exceeding the allowed limit, preventing overloading and ensuring stable operation. The design optimizes energy usage, extends battery life, and maintains performance while connected to an external power source. The mouse may also include a power management system to monitor and control power distribution, ensuring reliable operation under varying usage conditions. This approach enhances usability by reducing downtime due to battery depletion while maintaining compatibility with standard power sources.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the removeable internal power source is a removable charge storage device, and wherein the removeable internal power source is determined to be electrically coupled to the power management system when the removeable internal power source has a voltage supply level above a threshold value.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to power management systems for electronic devices, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing removable internal power sources, such as rechargeable batteries or charge storage devices. The system includes a power management module that monitors and controls the connection and operation of a removable internal power source, such as a battery or charge storage device, to ensure proper power delivery and device functionality. The power management system determines whether the removable internal power source is electrically coupled by detecting if its voltage supply level exceeds a predefined threshold value. If the voltage meets or exceeds this threshold, the system confirms the power source is properly connected and operational. This ensures that the device only draws power from a valid, functional power source, preventing issues related to insufficient or unstable power supply. The system may also include mechanisms to manage power distribution, such as regulating voltage levels, monitoring charge status, and controlling power flow to various components of the electronic device. This ensures efficient energy use and prolongs the lifespan of the power source. The invention is particularly useful in portable or battery-powered devices where reliable power management is critical for performance and longevity.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the external power source is a charging mouse pad configured to wirelessly provide power to the power management system via electromagnetic induction when the computer mouse is placed on or near the charging mouse pad.

Plain English Translation

A computer mouse includes a power management system that regulates power distribution to its internal components. The mouse is designed to receive power wirelessly from an external power source, such as a charging mouse pad, through electromagnetic induction when placed on or near the pad. The power management system ensures efficient power delivery to the mouse's components, such as sensors, processors, and communication modules, while maintaining stable operation. The wireless charging mechanism eliminates the need for wired connections, enhancing user convenience and reducing clutter. The system may also include power storage, such as a rechargeable battery, to sustain operation when the mouse is not on the charging pad. This design is particularly useful for maintaining continuous power supply in environments where frequent recharging or battery replacement is impractical. The invention addresses the problem of limited battery life in wireless mice by integrating a reliable, contactless charging solution. The charging pad generates an electromagnetic field that induces power in the mouse's power management system, enabling seamless and efficient energy transfer. This approach improves usability and extends the operational lifespan of the mouse without compromising performance.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The method of claim 7 wherein the fixed internal power source is a supercapacitor.

Plain English Translation

A method for powering an electronic device using a fixed internal power source, specifically a supercapacitor, to provide energy storage and discharge capabilities. The supercapacitor is integrated within the device to supply electrical power for its operation, particularly in applications where rapid charge-discharge cycles or high-power bursts are required. The method involves charging the supercapacitor from an external or internal energy source, such as a battery or energy harvester, and then discharging the stored energy to power the device. The supercapacitor's high energy density and low internal resistance make it suitable for applications demanding quick energy delivery, such as in portable electronics, industrial sensors, or medical devices. The method ensures reliable power delivery by managing the charge and discharge cycles to prevent overcharging or deep discharging, thereby extending the lifespan of the supercapacitor. This approach enhances the device's performance by providing stable power output and reducing the need for frequent recharging. The supercapacitor's compact size and lightweight design further enable its integration into space-constrained devices, improving overall efficiency and functionality.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The method of claim 7 wherein a total allowed current supplied by the external power source is between 40-60 mA, wherein the external power source is configured to simultaneously provide power to the power management system and charge the fixed internal power source without exceeding the total allowed current.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to power management systems for electronic devices, particularly those requiring both operational power and battery charging from a single external power source. The problem addressed is efficiently distributing limited current from an external power source to simultaneously power a device and charge its internal battery without exceeding safe current limits. The solution involves a power management system that regulates current distribution to ensure the total current drawn from the external source remains within a specified range of 40-60 mA. The system dynamically allocates current between powering the device and charging the internal battery, preventing overcurrent conditions while maintaining device functionality and battery charging. The external power source is configured to supply power to the power management system and charge the internal battery concurrently, with the system ensuring the combined current does not exceed the allowed threshold. This approach optimizes power usage in low-power applications where current availability is constrained, such as in wearable devices or medical implants. The invention ensures reliable operation and safe charging by strictly controlling current distribution within predefined limits.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the removeable internal power source is a removable charge storage device, and wherein the removeable internal power source is determined to be electrically coupled to the power management system when the removeable internal power source has a voltage supply level above a threshold value.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a power management system for electronic devices, particularly focusing on the integration and detection of a removable internal power source. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing power in portable or battery-powered devices where the power source may be removable and rechargeable. The power management system includes a mechanism to detect when a removable charge storage device, such as a battery or capacitor, is electrically coupled to the system. Detection occurs when the voltage supply level of the removable power source exceeds a predefined threshold value, ensuring reliable identification of a functional power source. This feature enables the system to automatically recognize and utilize the removable power source when it is connected, optimizing power distribution and device operation. The system may also include additional components, such as a power converter, to regulate and distribute power from the removable source to other device components. The invention enhances the flexibility and reliability of power management in portable electronics by ensuring seamless integration of removable power sources.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The system of claim 12 wherein the external power source is a charging mouse pad configured to wirelessly provide power to the power management system via electromagnetic induction when the computer mouse is placed on or near the charging mouse pad.

Plain English Translation

A system for wirelessly charging a computer mouse includes a power management system integrated into the mouse and an external power source. The power management system receives power from the external source, converts it to a usable form, and distributes it to the mouse's components. The external power source is a charging mouse pad that uses electromagnetic induction to wirelessly transfer power to the power management system when the mouse is placed on or near the pad. The pad generates an electromagnetic field, which induces a current in a receiver coil within the mouse, enabling continuous or intermittent charging without physical contact. This design eliminates the need for wired charging and ensures the mouse remains operational while in use. The system may include additional features such as power regulation, energy storage, and efficiency optimization to maintain reliable performance. The charging pad can be designed to accommodate various mouse sizes and shapes, ensuring compatibility and ease of use. This technology addresses the inconvenience of wired charging and battery replacement, providing a seamless and efficient power solution for computer mice.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The system of claim 12 wherein the fixed internal power source is a supercapacitor configured to be charged by the external power source via a charging circuit.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing power in a portable device includes a fixed internal power source, such as a supercapacitor, that is charged by an external power source through a charging circuit. The supercapacitor provides energy storage with high power density and rapid charge/discharge capabilities, making it suitable for applications requiring quick bursts of energy. The charging circuit regulates the power transfer from the external source to the supercapacitor, ensuring efficient and safe charging. This configuration allows the portable device to operate in environments where traditional batteries may be impractical due to size, weight, or charging constraints. The supercapacitor's ability to handle frequent charge cycles without significant degradation extends the system's lifespan compared to conventional battery-based solutions. The system may also include additional components, such as a power management module, to optimize energy distribution and ensure stable operation. This design is particularly useful in applications where compact size, fast charging, and long-term reliability are critical, such as in wearable electronics, medical devices, or industrial sensors.

Classification Codes (CPC)

Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

September 30, 2022

Publication Date

June 4, 2024

Want to explore more patents?

Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.

Citation & reuse

Analysis on this page is generated by Patentable — an AI-powered patent intelligence platform. AI-generated summaries, explanations, FAQs, and analysis may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL below. Patent abstracts and claims are USPTO public domain.

Cite as: Patentable. “Wireless charging for an input device” (US-12001620). https://patentable.app/patents/US-12001620

© 2026 Nomic Interactive Technology LLC. Machine-readable context available at /api/llm-context/US-12001620. See llms.txt for full attribution policy.